Dublin can get a little expensive and touristy but if you’re wondering is Dublin worth visiting – it is! Also find info on how safe Dublin is, the best things to do and have a FAB day!
Dublin, is a city in Europe where medieval architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with modern skyscrapers.
But is Dublin worth visiting?
St Patrick’s Cathedral with its ancient history isn’t the only place in Dublin worth visiting; this travel guide will help you understand why you should visit Dublin for at least two days, is Dublin safe to visit and Is Dublin pass worth it?
PLANNING YOUR DUBLIN TRIP | THE ESSENTIALS
Popular tours that make Dublin worth visiting –
- Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour
- Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour
Recommended Dublin hotels –
- Luxury hotel in Dublin – Castle Hotel
- Mid-range hotel in Dublin – Harding Hotel
- Budget hotel in Dublin – Roxford Lodge Hotel
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When is Dublin worth visiting?
The best time to visit Dublin
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, experiences mild weather throughout the year with occasional, unexpected rains.
That makes it one of the destinations in Europe that can be visited throughout the year.
Here is the season-wise weather information that will help you decide – is Dublin worth visiting and if yes, when is the best time to plan your vacation?
Is Dublin worth it in spring?
Spring in Dublin is from March to May. The Irish spring season means bright days, comfortable temperatures, cheaper prices, and fewer tourists.
This is when the city still feels a little cold in early spring and doesn’t get too crowded in late spring. You can also enjoy Easter and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and get a glimpse of local traditions.
I have created a detailed travel guide to help you understand how Irelnd in spring is and the activities it offers.
Is Dublin worth it in summer?
Summer in Dublin is from June to August. This peak tourist season in Dublin promises dry and warm months, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities.
The maximum temperature in Dublin in summer stays around 20 degrees Celsius. The rain is quite common in August, but it usually doesn’t last long. And even if it does rain, you can check this list of fun rainy-day activities in Ireland to add to your itinerary.
Is Dublin worth it in autumn?
Autumn in Dublin is from September to November. The temperatures usually vary between 9 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius.
This is the season when sunny days may turn into windier, wetter ones.
So, is Dublin, Ireland, worth visiting? Yes, autumn is the shoulder season for visiting Dublin as tourists start going back, outdoor activities can still be enjoyed, and all the major attractions are open.
Is Dublin worth it in winter?
Winter in Dublin is from December to February. Visiting Dublin in winter is worth it for budget travellers.
Winter, being the off-season in Dublin, sees some sites closed and hotels shut down for a couple of months.
But the weather is still bearable as it doesn’t turn everything into a frosty, snowy landscape. The temperatures usually stay around 4 degrees Celsius, making snow rare in Dublin. But that doesn’t mean you can keep winter wear at home

Top reasons to visit Dublin
Why you should visit Dublin and things to do
The Dublin Castle
Founded in 1204, rebuilt and evolved over centuries, Dublin Castle is an exciting place to be.
Many tourists wonder, ‘Is Dublin Castle worth visiting?’ while planning their trip. The Dublin Castle is worth including in your itinerary as it offers several activities and sites.
Do you want to explore the Viking excavation site? Take a tour of the medieval Wardrobe Tower. Marvel at the beautiful Gothic revival Chapel Royal that is now turned into an art centre. Wander the halls of the State Apartments. Or relax in the sprawling castle garden?
It also has a cafe and Garda Museum on the premises. The Dublin Castle is all these places rolled into one complex, making it an immensely popular tourist site.
DETAILS
The Dublin Castle
Address: Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Timings: Monday to Sunday from 9.45 am to 5.45 pm
Price: Adults €8, senior citizens and students €6, kids between 12-17 years €4, and kids under 12 free.
The Dublin Castle guided tours and audio tours are available
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness Storehouse is all things beer. With seven dedicated floors, this place will introduce you to essential beer ingredients, explain the brand’s history and make you part of the interactive exhibit about responsible drinking.
The Gravity bar on the top floor is perfect for enjoying a pint of beer in the city’s heart.
Is Dublin worth visiting for the unique Guinness brewery experience? Definitely! Remember to book your Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket in advance, which includes a complimentary pint of Guinness, and you are good to go.
DETAILS
Guinness Storehouse
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H, Ireland
Timings: Monday to Thursday 10 am – 5 pm; Friday and Saturday 9.30 am – 6 pm; Sunday 9.30 am – 5 pm.
Price: Tickets start from €20 per person
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
How fascinating it would be to visit the famous Jameson Distillery in Dublin and be a part of everything from a cocktail-making class to testing sessions!
This is where the Bow Street Distillery was established in 1780 and was expanded over the centuries. Today, even though the distillery has been moved out of Dublin, it remains one of the places that make Dublin worth visiting.
DETAILS
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Address: Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 N9VH, Ireland
Timings: Sunday 12 pm – 5:30 pm, Monday to Thursday 11 am – 5:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 1 am – 6.30 pm.
Price: Check different Jameson Bow St. Distillery tours and experiences


Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is the largest public park in Dublin where everything from nature to recreation is well-maintained.
You will find zoological gardens, flower gardens, a Biodiversity Information Centre, tea rooms, cafes, and a play area for kids on the sprawling 707 hectares.
It has a restored 15th-century Ashtown Castle medieval tower house. The several walking and cycling trails that go around Phoenix Park are a great way to explore the nature hidden right in the heart of the city.
You can hire a bike at the park that suits your needs and age to get around. You can also book a guided cycle tour, if interested.
DETAILS
Phoenix Park
Address: Dublin 8, Ireland
Timings: 24 hours all year round.
Price: Free
Popular food tours in Dublin
Dublin is not all about drinks and distilleries. It is also one of the cities in Europe where good food is guaranteed.
If you are visiting someone in the city, then I am sure you will get many personalized suggestions. If not, then the best way to understand Dublin’s cuisine and culture is to take a food tour with a local guide.
Dublin Food Walking Tour with Tastings is the usual go-to option. It covers six different eateries in 3 hours.
If you want something different, the Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip in Dublin is a popular choice.
Wear comfortable footwear as these food tours usually take you around popular city areas, and you will be walking a lot.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
There is a story behind how the people of Ireland slowly moved out of the country, only to conquer the world and be scientists, artists, politicians, poets, and prominent social figures. And as you can guess, it is an interesting story to understand.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, with its 20 galleries, covers everything from migration and the Irish famine to religious as well as criminal transportation.
Awarded as Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction three times over the last decade, EPIC is one of the reasons why go to Dublin. You can spend over 2 hours exploring different high-tech, interactive exhibits here.
DETAILS
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Address: The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock, Dublin 1, Ireland
Timings: From 10 am – 6.45 pm 7 days a week
Price: Adults €21.00, teenagers (age 13-17) €14.50, children (age 6-12) €10.50, seniors (65+), €19.00, free for kids below 5.
Prices are applicable only for online bookings.

St Patrick’s Cathedral
With history going back as far as 1192, St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions in Dublin.
It holds different activities and interactive workshops to help visitors understand the history and faith at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
This largest church in Ireland is a sacred place of worship where you can witness the finest medieval architecture and fascinating music recitals. It is located around the centre of the city near the Dublin Castle.
So, take advantage of a chance to stop by and catch a glimpse of the past here.
DETAILS
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin, D08 H6X3, Ireland
Timings: Opening timings may vary
Price: Adults €10, students/senior citizens (60+) €9, child (6–12) €4.50, free for kids under 5.
Trinity College – The Book of Kells Experience
You may wonder why Trinity College – the oldest university in Ireland – is considered to be one of the top attractions in Dublin.
It is known for educating notable personalities like the famous Irish poet Oscar Wilde as well as former Irish presidents like Éamon de Valera, Mary Robinson, and Mary McAleese.
Apart from opting for Trinity Trails tours that take you through this historic campus, what makes it even more fascinating? This is where
The Book of Kells Experience and the old library come into the picture. This immersive experience will let you into the pages of the 9th-century manuscript where the four Gospels of the New Testament are included.
So, if you are still wondering is Dublin worth seeing, then know that this digital journey of The Book of Kells, enhanced by lights and sounds, sets it apart from all the other cities.
DETAILS
Trinity College Dublin
Address: College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
Timings: Check Book of Kells opening hours here.
Price: Tours start from €16. Book of Kells Experience and the old library entry start from €19
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol is an interesting prison-turned-museum in Dublin where you will get to step back in time and learn all about Irish history.
From people who fought for Irish independence, participated in rebellions, and people who were held in this prison for notorious crimes, Kilmainham Gaol will introduce you to some of the fascinating chapters in history.
Keep in mind that the last entry to the museum is at 4.15 pm and plan your visit accordingly.
DETAILS
Kilmainham Gaol
Address: Inchicore Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8, D08 RK28, Ireland
Timings: from 9:30 am – 5.15 pm throughout the year except 24th- 27th December
Price: Adults €8, senior citizens €6, students €4, and children under 12 are free after booking a complimentary ticket.
Popular half-day tours and day trips from Dublin
If you are spending more than 2 days in Dublin, you will get enough time to plan a day trip to nearby attractions.
Are you still wondering is Dublin worth it? Then there are several popular tour choices from Dublin including Cliffs of Moher and Giants Causeway.
Here are some of the top-rated day trips from Dublin that you can book for a seamless experience –
- Cliffs of Moher, Burren & Galway City Day Tour where you get to travel by bus and enjoy stunning Irish landscapes.
- Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour will take you on a spectacular journey through Northern Ireland’s famous coastal route. It is also one of the Northern Ireland Game of Thrones locations that are a must-visit.
- Premium Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny is for those who want to experience the Irish countryside and explore medieval sites.


Where to stay in Dublin
Luxury hotel in Dublin – Castle Hotel is located near the popular O’ Connell Street and has most of the famous Dublin attractions within 1.5 kilometres of distance. This recently renovated Dublin hotel combines luxury and elegance, offering spacious family rooms, two restaurants, and a bar.
Mid-range hotel in Dublin – Harding Hotel is located just outside the Temple Bar district, making sure you can reach all the must-visit sites like Dublin Castle, Trinity College, and the Guinness Storehouse within minutes.
Budget hotel in Dublin – Roxford Lodge Hotel is a boutique-style accommodation where you get free wifi, stylish rooms, and traditional Irish and continental breakfasts at minimum price.
How to get around Dublin
As Dubiln is a compact city with most of the popular attractions around the city centre, walking or cycling in Dublin is a popular option for tourists. If you want to explore other transport options, then here is how to get around Dublin –
Dublin by bus – travelling by bus in Dublin is ideal if you are up for exploring the city and want to visit the lesser-known neighbourhoods. The bus network covers almost all of Dublin, with buses running from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm.
If you are in Dublin only for a couple of days and want to visit the major tourist attractions, then the Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is the best way to get around.
Dublin by tram—The Dublin tram system, popularly known as The LUAS, is one of the fastest ways to connect the suburbs with the city. The only issue is that these trams tend to get crowded during rush hours and may become difficult to navigate for tourists.
Dublin by taxi – getting a taxi in Dublin is relatively easy, but certainly not budget-friendly. The best way to ensure transportation is not too heavy on your pocket is to stick to bus routes during the day and catch a taxi if it is late at night.
The Go City Pass – is the Dublin pass worth it?
If your Dublin itinerary includes all the popular tourist attractions, then the Dublin pass is worth paying for.
You can check this Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions, which you can choose for 1 to 5 days, depending on your trip plan. It will also make travelling around Dublin easy and affordable.
So, if you want to know, is the Dublin pass worth it? I would recommend it for first-time visitors who want to cover all the must-visit sites.

Is Dublin safe to visit?
For those planning a trip to Dublin for the first time, it is expected to wonder – is Dublin safe to visit?
The short answer is, yes, Dublin is absolutely safe to visit for tourists. But as it goes with every new destination, there are some things you need to keep in mind to make your travel experience safer.
There have been incidents of petty theft or similar minor crimes in the past. So, keep your wallet, cards, and other valuables close.
Even when exploring the city centre at night, ensure you stick to crowded areas. There are several tiny alleys around the centre that may not be safe after dark.
If you use public transport to explore nearby villages, keep your bags close and your phone in your pocket. Consider taking a taxi if you are out very late.
Is Dublin safe for solo travellers? Yes, as long as you book a hotel in a crowded area and stick to touristy trails, there are no safety issues.
Check if you are getting into a licensed taxi. A transportation scam, though low in Dublin, can get you in trouble.
Tips for travelling to Dublin, Ireland
Public buses in Dublin have free wifi, making it easier for travellers to stay connected. You can use the wifi to download maps or check the necessary information.
Comfortable footwear is a must when exploring Dublin. Many tourist attractions are located in and near the city centre and require a lot of walking.
Dublin Pass is worth it when you stay in the city only for a day or two and want to cover as much as possible.
Tipping is not mandatory but a welcome practice in Dublin. Depending on your experience, you can leave around 10% to the restaurant or for guided tours.
Check weather predictions before you plan your day, and depending on the weather, carry an umbrella or a light jacket.
At many restaurants, lunch is usually cheaper, and lunch reservations are easier to get than dinner. Keep this in mind if you are travelling on a budget.

I have loved spending time in Dublin, walking around the city centre, and soaking in the Irish vibes.
Do you think is Dublin worth visiting? When are you planning to visit this beautiful capital city?
FAQs – Is Dublin worth visiting?
How many days in Dublin is enough?
2 days in Dublin are enough to visit famous attractions like the EPIC, Dublin Castle, and Guinness Storehouse. As Dublin is a compact city, you can explore the best of it in 48 hours. I suggest spending 3 to 4 days in Dublin as it gives enough time to include a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher or the Wicklow Mountains.
Is Dublin too touristy?
Yes, Dublin can get a little too touristy during the peak summer season. But consider visiting Dublin during the off-season in winter to around shoulder season, and you will get to know how this beautiful Irish city has a lot to offer, along with tourist activities and sites.
Why do tourists go to Dublin?
Dublin is that city getaway where history, culture, and cuisine come together to make it a destination for everyone. Tourists prefer Dublin as it is well-connected to the rest of the world, can be covered in 2 days, and is full of fascinating points of interest.
Is Dublin expensive to visit?
Yes, Dublin can be expensive to visit, especially if you are planning your vacation in the summer months. Hotel and flight prices are usually higher, and even guided tours may cost more during peak tourist season in Dublin. Visit Dublin during the off-season or shoulder season, and you will find it affordable.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.
She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.
She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
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